Autumn in Arizona is a fantastic time of year for a sports-enthusiast, and a very busy time for Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, your Phoenix Endodontist. As the weather cools down enough for outdoor activities, people forget to protect their teeth during play and suffer the consequences. Sports related dental injuries are easily avoidable. Here’s what you should know before this season.
The most common sports-related tooth injury seen in Dr. Allen’s office is gruesome. A blow to the front teeth by a body part like an elbow or knee, or from an object like a baseball or bat will often knock teeth loose, break or chip them, dislodge them completely. Dr. Allen also mentions that falling on your face is probably second, like skate boarding and eating concrete or a rail. Not only are these injuries incredibly painful but they can do permanent damage if not treated correctly.
To prevent most sports related dental injuries, Dr. Allen reminds you to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are effective in preventing injury, she says, and they are found in just about any discount store or sporting goods retailer. For a very inexpensive investment you can protect your teeth from serious damage.
If you suffer dental harm during a sporting activity your first action should be to get to Dr. Allen’s Phoenix Endodontist practice. Recover dislodged tooth or teeth if possible, picking them up by the chewing surface (never the root) and very gently rinsing it off with plain water. Do not use any chemicals or soaps or wrap it. If you can, gently place the rinsed tooth back in the tooth socket and keep it in place with your fingers or by softly clamping your teeth together. If you’re unable to do this, store the tooth in milk and seek emergency help right away. Your best chance of saving the tooth is with the help of a qualified Phoenix Endodontist such as Dr. Allen.
Fall sports injuries are very preventable, but should you experience one you must handle it quickly to save your smile. Dr. Allen and Phoenix Endodontic Group are here to help!